Where Art Meets Science

Strong competition for the 2011 ‘Where Art Meets Science’ Awards

East Midlands’ student artists from universities across the region have submitted their entries and will soon find out who has won  this year’s Healthcare and Bioscience iNet Art Awards, ‘Where Art Meets Science’. Dementia prevention and the protection of the natural environment are among the themes explored by this year’s contenders for the three main prizes worth £250 each. Eleven entries submitted by students of the Universities of Nottingham, Lincoln, Northampton and Nottingham Trent have been shortlisted for the Awards which will be presented at BioCity Nottingham on Tuesday 3rd May at a reception from 6pm-8pm.

Now in its third year, the competition brings together the creative expression of art with the objectivity and rigour of science by inviting submissions from creative students of any academic discipline to express a scientific concept through eye-catching and imaginative art.

Sponsored this year by leading Derbyshire healthcare company, Pennine Healthcare Ltd and the Healthcare and Bioscience iNet, the competition is designed to encourage East Midlands’ artists to collaborate with experts in the appropriate field of science and to deliver a piece of artwork that captures the public imagination in a positive way. A variety of art forms including illustrations, water colours and glass creations were encouraged to ensure the best medium was selected for the chosen subject.

Elizabeth Fothergill, Managing Director of Pennine Healthcare and one of four competition judges, says: "We are delighted to be associated with this innovative approach to promoting science through works of art. Pennine Healthcare has over 40 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of surgical devices for advanced patient care and we believe in the importance of nurturing a spirit of collaboration between creative and scientific minds".

Fellow competition judge is Linda Dearden, a former biological scientist and now full-time artist.  Linda, who has a passion for etching and other printmaking techniques, says her artwork is inspired by nature organic forms and textures.

The winning students will also receive a unique memento in the form of a specially commissioned piece of glassware created by award-winning East Midlands’ artist, Ingrid Pears. Ollerton-based Ingrid creates each of her pieces individually using the finest crystal glass.  Supplying demand from around the globe, Ingrid has travelled extensively, particularly across India and even boasts the Dalai Lama as one of her clients.

Ian Barr, Director of the Healthcare and Bioscience iNet and third competition judge said: “Bringing art and science together stimulates creative thinking and new ideas which are the basis of innovation.  We are extremely impressed with the level of entries this year and very much looking forward to finding out who the winners will be.”

Completing the judging line up is Dr Christian Thode, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology at Nottingham Trent University.

The finalists include

Elena Elia              (University of Nottingham)      ‘Animal Health’
Oliver King             (University of Northampton)     ‘Beyond The Surface’
Heather Gossage         (Nottingham Trent)              ‘Cloning and Genetic Modification’
Poppy Iddon             (University of Lincoln)         ‘Collapse of the Coral Reefs’
Rachel Caffrey  (Nottingham Trent)              ‘Decline’
Maggie Shaffer  (University of Lincoln)         ‘Herbal Medicine: Hand-made’
Elena Zeniou            (Nottingham Trent)              ‘Mind and Gap’
Sally Townsend  (University of Lincoln)         ‘Taking Your Brain For a Walk’
Young Eun You   (Nottingham Trent)              ‘The Droplet’
Rachelle Edwards        (Nottingham Trent)              ‘The Good and The Bad’
Henrietta Pointer       (Nottingham Trent)              ‘Under the Microscope’

The competition is created by the Healthcare and Bioscience iNet, a project delivered by Medilink East Midlands.
The Healthcare and Bioscience iNet helps people in the sector, particularly in East Midlands’ businesses and universities, to develop new technologies, processes, products and services in order to build a healthy economy.

A key aim of iNet is to provide a sector-specific focus that enables organisations to exchange knowledge and form collaborations to exploit new ideas.

The Healthcare and Bioscience iNet is based at BioCity in Nottingham, a renowned life science industry centre of excellence but it covers the whole region.

Pennine Healthcare is a family owned business specialising in the manufacture of sterile products for anaesthetic, respiratory, gastroenterology, urology and surgical suction as well as an extensive range of Custom Procedure Packs.

Since its incorporation in 1963 the business has grown steadily, markets its products and services in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 270 people at its purpose-built premises in Derby.
Over the years Pennine's vision has never changed – it is committed to being a world-class, innovative manufacturer supplying the global healthcare market, and providing the very best in customer care.

Pennine Healthcare is a progressive, innovative company, pioneering the introduction of custom procedure packs into the UK in 1992.  By working closely with hospital staff Pennines' dedicated custom procedure pack development team have a detailed understanding of customers' requirements allowing them to provide bespoke solutions, cost effectively.

Consistently pursuing new opportunities and embracing innovative solutions the company, in conjunction with healthcare professionals, has helped to design and develop groundbreaking products for advanced patient care.